Humor at the office...?
5 November 2014
Read by 1857 persons
Should you be funny at the office? Are we still stuck with the old image of the employee who doesn't joke around so as not to become, in the eyes of their colleagues, a bad joke? Have we evolved in terms of the recognized benefits of humor in a professional setting? Since it has long been proven that laughter improves almost everything, including productivity, should we use it and abuse it?
A sought-after quality
Recruiters are increasingly and more openly seeking humor as an asset capable of modifying both interactions between employees and situations, perceptions, perspectives, and the overall atmosphere.
The general atmosphere - and therefore productivity - is strongly affected, and when it is present, it is very pleasant.
Thus, yes, current recruiters are increasingly and openly relying on this (almost) innate quality that changes life and desires.
For a long time, we have known the social benefits of laughter, its ability to unite, to create bonds. Now, we are discovering its physiological benefits. Laughter improves cognitive functions, reduces cardiovascular risks, provides significant physical relaxation (dopamine is released into the body), and therefore has all the effects of an anti-stress, antidepressant, and relaxant. It is a form of conscious magic for the body that managers no longer want to deprive themselves of, neither for themselves nor for their employees.
Humor or humor?
However, there are different forms of humor, and to be positive and happy, it must be benevolent.
Indeed, to be considered positive and restorative and to be able to modify atmospheres and moods, humor must be "appropriate".
Appropriate means that it must first be devoid of sarcasm, mockery, aggression of any kind, or a desire for domination, oppression, or ridicule. Humor as a form of love, not as a sneaky act of war.
Appropriate also means that it must echo codes that essentially depend on the culture of the environment. We don't laugh in the same way or about the same things in China and Tunisia.
It is therefore necessary to first observe the context, the company culture, the habits of managers, and the sensitivities of those around us.
However, it is true that there are still many companies where joking around too much and laughing is very poorly perceived. Smiling is often enough. Rarely more. Humor is still perceived as a clear equivalent of a lack of professionalism, unwelcome detachment, levity, and casualness.
In short, before being funny and making others laugh or laughing yourself, look around you.
The ReKrute.com Team
A sought-after quality
Recruiters are increasingly and more openly seeking humor as an asset capable of modifying both interactions between employees and situations, perceptions, perspectives, and the overall atmosphere.
The general atmosphere - and therefore productivity - is strongly affected, and when it is present, it is very pleasant.
Thus, yes, current recruiters are increasingly and openly relying on this (almost) innate quality that changes life and desires.
For a long time, we have known the social benefits of laughter, its ability to unite, to create bonds. Now, we are discovering its physiological benefits. Laughter improves cognitive functions, reduces cardiovascular risks, provides significant physical relaxation (dopamine is released into the body), and therefore has all the effects of an anti-stress, antidepressant, and relaxant. It is a form of conscious magic for the body that managers no longer want to deprive themselves of, neither for themselves nor for their employees.
Humor or humor?
However, there are different forms of humor, and to be positive and happy, it must be benevolent.
Indeed, to be considered positive and restorative and to be able to modify atmospheres and moods, humor must be "appropriate".
Appropriate means that it must first be devoid of sarcasm, mockery, aggression of any kind, or a desire for domination, oppression, or ridicule. Humor as a form of love, not as a sneaky act of war.
Appropriate also means that it must echo codes that essentially depend on the culture of the environment. We don't laugh in the same way or about the same things in China and Tunisia.
It is therefore necessary to first observe the context, the company culture, the habits of managers, and the sensitivities of those around us.
However, it is true that there are still many companies where joking around too much and laughing is very poorly perceived. Smiling is often enough. Rarely more. Humor is still perceived as a clear equivalent of a lack of professionalism, unwelcome detachment, levity, and casualness.
In short, before being funny and making others laugh or laughing yourself, look around you.
The ReKrute.com Team
